Study on the Zona Pellucida 4 (ZP4) Gene Sequence and Its Expression in the Ovaries of Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
March 2015
in “
Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
”
TLDR The research suggests that the ZP4 gene is linked to egg development in women with PCOS but requires more study to understand its role in infertility.
In the 2015 study involving 87 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), researchers examined the zona pellucida 4 (ZP4) gene sequence and its expression in the ovaries. They found that ZP4 expression was higher in mature antral follicles, particularly in patients with regular menstrual cycles and without hyperandrogenism. Although one mutation in the ZP4 gene was identified, no significant correlations were found between ZP4 expression levels and clinical or biochemical characteristics of PCOS. The study suggested a potential relationship between androgens and ZP4 expression and indicated that ZP4 mutations could be associated with infertility in some PCOS patients. The researchers concluded that ZP4 expression is related to follicle maturation and recommended further investigation to understand ZP4's role in PCOS and infertility.
